Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Focusing on the immaterial…

Throughout the
various discussions and lectures in class we have talked about the importance
of the immaterial and material of a person and its influences in the realm of
counseling, its approaches to the integration of psychology and Theology. We
have concluded that the material approach is the secular approach to
counseling, focusing on the on the self, i.e. self improvement plans, centering
on what makes the counselee desire to feel better about themselves; simply a
surface level approach. Essentially, from the perspective of the material approach
to counseling, it could be interrupted as putting a band-aid over a deep-rooted
issue that the counselee may be facing. As Christian counselors we are called
to not only look at the material of a person, but also the immaterial. Meaning
that as Christian counselors we should be using the Word of God as a guiding strength
when treating the counselee. In terms of an analogy treating the inner core of
the counselee as well as treating the external forces. Not just a temporary fix or band-aid type of
solution.Rather a call to conviction
and to live their life at a higher calling and purpose; essentially a call as a
Christian counselor to disciple. At same
time balancing the understanding as a Christian Counselor of where to integrate
God’s holy Word, and delicately with the assistance of the Holy Spirit apply
conviction to the counselee. http://www.gotquestions.org/psychology-Christian-counseling.html http://www.gotquestions.org/psychology-Biblical-counseling.html

When
looking at this topic of the immaterial and the material of a person, it is important
as the Christian Counselor to rely on the Holy Spirit as the driving force in
your counseling session. Also, having the understanding that even though you’ve
advertised yourself as a Christian counselor, having the decrement of knowing
when and where to integrate theology and conviction into your counseling session.
Having the understanding that as a counselor the immaterial is a very time sensitive
integration and process; yet at the same time it is crucial for any development in the counselee’s
resolution they may desire. At the same time clearly communicating to your
counselee that you are there to shred light onto conviction and sin, to provide
wisdom and strength from God as well as, to provide encouragement and strength through
the scriptures. From a practical understanding of this delicate balance and the
standard of the Christian counselor, the counselor should operate under the
assumption that the bible is always sufficient
in providing wisdom and strength to the counselee; but should be delivered in a
time that would be best absorbed by the counselee at the most efficient time in the therapeutic process.
Having the understanding as the Christian Counselor at times it may be most beneficial
to the client to focus on the material first, and slowly through the understanding
of the counselee’s emotions and processing of events, the counselor can begin
to focus on the deeper issue, the conviction and spirituality of the client;
concluding on the immaterial to promote conviction and further discipleship.

Throughout the
class discussion, lectures, and personal research I have come to the understanding
and conclusion that as a Christian counselor it is a vital to focus on the
immaterial, but also have the awareness that the material of a person may
present itself in my counseling session. With this understanding that I need to
not neglect the material of a person, rather as a Christian counselor I need to
focus on the needs of the material and immaterial of my client. That at times
focusing on the material may be the key into the client understanding the
immaterial. Also, as a Christian counselor having the discernment of knowing
when and where to integrate conviction and wisdom from the scriptures with my
counselee; that as a Christian counselors have a calling to present these
immaterial topics, but knowing when it would be the most efficient time in the
therapeutic process is the most crucial.

1 comment:

Alyse, I really enjoyed how you went into great detail of the immaterial and material of clients. You're right about not just putting a "band-aid" on situations when sometimes we just need to shed light on what they are really dealing with to help with the theraputic process. I too need to be more aware of both immaterial and material at all times. I Really enjoyed your blog!